I was so glad to see you were back around - sorry I hadn't stopped by sooner. Excellent write. Those screams can kill us... if we let them. The fears, the remorse, the guilt... can be defeated!!! There is a saying in 12-step groups "We shall remember the past, but we won't dwell on it."

The past can lead us into a worse place then guilt. Shame! There is no way back from shame, it becomes us and rules us. Keep writing... keep talking... Gods speed!

I wish I coulda wrote this, dear George. Every word rings like the toll of the bell in my ears and heart and I am so glad you can look "back" on this Drifter-You as a former shadow. Today I can feel this shadow ever present in my soul, reminding me of the restlessness that is part of my fluid psychological and spiritual form. Heaven for me would be complete and utter rest... no more and no less. I applaud this confessional write that is neither maudlin nor overly sentimental... very objective, in fact. Each stanza stands strong and square and you take us through this journey incredibly well. I hope you are both rested and refreshed after your bout of illness and it is a joy to think you will be more present with us again. Your honest and laid-bare writes have been very much missed by me. It is a privilege to share in this one again today. We are like the dual masks... one sad, one happy... underneath perhaps very akin. Bless you and thank you. Kate xx

Richard said it so well! Mike you can't know how glad I am to see you posting again! A meaningful poem of such inner anguish, yet the hope of leaving the screams behind and using the "inkwell" to share your gift!Welcome Back!;-)